Location
Naval Station Great Lakes is a military town, located on the shores of Lake Michigan, sits 1 hour North of Chicago, Illinois and 1 hour South of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Naval Station Great Lakes is located in the middle of two metropolitan areas Chicago and Milwaukee which can be consider as a high cost area. The base operator’s phone number is 847-688-3500 or DSN 312-792-3500.
History
Great Lakes has been turning civilians into seamen and seamen into Sailors for more than 100 years. From its founding in 1911, Great Lakes has maintained its position as the Navy’s largest training facility. Since World War I through today, it has trained and sent to the Fleet more than two million new Sailors through the Recruit Training Command (RTC), and nearly an equal number from its technical schools.
The largest military installation in Illinois and the largest training center in the Navy, the base includes 1,153 buildings on 1,628 acres, and uses 50 miles of roadway to provide access to the station’s facilities.
Mission
Our mission is to train Sailors for the Fleet. Naval Station Great Lakes (NS) is home to the U.S. Navy’s only Recruit Training Command.
Population Served
Naval Station Great Lakes is home to over 4,000 active duty staff personnel and families, 14,000 recruits and students, 3,000 government civilian employees, and over 2,000 contractors. Naval Station Great Lakes provides services to Active Duty military, their family members and retirees, from a surrounding 16 state area.
Base Transportation
The shuttle bus on base is free and run by Naval Station Quarterdeck/CDO. Please call 847-688-3300 or DSN 312-792-3300 for more information.
Sponsorship
Contact your new command for information on sponsorship assistance. You may also get help with obtaining a sponsor by going to the Navy Personnel web site and clicking on Sponsor Assignment Aid.
Postal Service Center:
Call 847-688-2197; DSN 312-792-2197. Members who will be living in Central Billeting (Gateway Suites & Inn) may request a Post Office Box prior to arrival. Send a letter to 320 A Dewey Ave., BEQ 438, Great Lakes, IL 60088. For all others, make arrangements to forward mail to the gaining command. The commands can only hold mail for up to 15 days.
Temporary Quarters
Naval Station Great Lakes has 2 locations for temporary lodging: Navy Lodge and Gateway Inn & Suites both facilities are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When you call for reservations state that you are on Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders. Contact the Navy Lodge at 1-800-NAVYINN or 1-847-688-2170, DSN 312-792-2170; or visit their website for assistance in finding accommodations for you and your family. Accommodations are one room for $62.00 a night with 2 Queen size beds and kitchenette. Navy Lodges now allow pets with a fee and pets no larger than 50 lbs requirements for PCS families. Two pets may be accommodated.
You can contact Veterinary Treatment Services, 3-1 B Sixth St., Bldg. 111H, Great Lakes, IL, phone number 847-688-5740; DSN: 312-792-7390; FAX: 847-688-7390; DSN FAX: 792-7390. Hours of operation are Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; closed Saturday, Sunday and Holidays. Other resouces of pet information can be found under Community Information in this website.
Relocation Assistance
The Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) is located near the main gate in Bldg. 26. The FFSC has many programs and services that will be a great help to newcomers, as well as for those who are getting ready to depart from Great Lakes. Relocation services include extensive community information and spouse employment assistance.
Newcomers Brief — Contact your command for scheduled briefing time. Spouse Orientation is offered on a one-on-one basis. Child care services are not available. Contact the Fleet and Family Service Center to make an appointment at 847-688-3603 ext. 100.
Critical Installation Information
Pets in Housing
Privatized housing management, Forest City enforces the following breed restrictions: Pit Bulls, Rottweiler, Chow Chow, Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, Siberian Husky, and Perro de Presa Canarios.
Frequently Called Numbers on Base
Base Operator – On Base Callers 3500
Base Operator – Off Base Callers 688-3500
Central Billeting Office (847) 688-2170 DSN: 792-2170
Child Development Center (CDC) Resource & Referral (847) 688-3100/ (847) 688-5662 DSN: 792-3100/5662
Child Development Center-Building 2700 (847) 688-4470 DSN: 792-4470
Child Development Center-Building 3110 (847) 688-5662 DSN: 792-5662
Child Development Home Program (CDHP) (847) 688-5498 DSN: 792-5498
Dental Clinic (847) 688-3620 DSN: 792-3331
Fisher Medical Clinic (TSC) (847) 688-6770 / (847) 688-5533 DSN: 792-6770
Forest City Housing Office/Glenview/Fort Sheridan (847) 473-5503
